What motivated rebranding from Sajjan India to Cohizon Life Sciences? How does this align with the company's strategic objectives and future vision?  

Cohizon Life Sciences' rebranding signifies a strategic shift towards enhanced customer centric approach, research & development, sustainability through continuous improvements, developing new chemistry platforms, and diversification & expansion of customer base in specialty chemicals industry segment. The company aims to be a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partner through responsive solutions, pioneering R&D, digital transformation, and sustainable practices, while empowering its workforce. This aligns with their vision of creating sustainable value for all stakeholders. 

How has Cohizon Life Sciences' performed in FY 2024-25? What factors have driven the company's growth including product categories or market segments that contributed most?  

The chemical industry is facing a tough time in terms of the revenue prospect. Our significant amount of revenue comes from the agrochemical sector which has seen inventory issues and pricing competition from China. This has resulted in muted growth and has impacted our revenue. While we have maintained sales volumes year-over-year, we are subsequently working on our strategic offerings and initiating new projects. In this challenging period, our focus has been on continuous improvement and ensuring that we have maintained our wallet shares with all our key customers. 

Key business initiatives launched by Cohizon Life Sciences in FY 2024-25? How do these initiatives align with the company's long-term growth strategy?  

Aligned with our growth strategy, the focus is on continuous improvement and cost reduction. We have initiated an internal drive “Lakshya” across the company using lean & six sigma tools and techniques along with digital interventions in our key processes at manufacturing and other functions. We have significantly enhanced our approach towards customer connects and using key account management with the support of structured program management to provide enhanced experience for our customers. We are also focusing on diversifying our product portfolio and customer base to unlock new revenue streams. 

Total Capex allocated for FY 2024-25? Which key areas received the most significant investments? Any major facility expansions, plant modernizations, and greenfield projects planned or completed this year?  

During FY22-24 we have spent more than Rs. 800 crore capital investment to build world class capacity of vapor phase chlorination and fluorination facility at Ankaleshwar along with a state-of-the-art R&D facility at Navi Mumbai. We are also making significant investments in upgrading our safety and environment standards. For FY 2024-25, we have allocated Rs. 200 crore in augmenting capacities, pilot plants, and infrastructure. 

How much Capex has been dedicated to research and development? Are there any notable projects in the pipeline? 

Amongst our growth pillar, one of the important pillars is identifying new products and R&D plays a major role in identifying it. Over the past two years, we have focused and invested significantly in setting up a state-of-the-art R&D Facility at Navi Mumbai as well. We are also planning to construct a pilot plant at Ankleshwar to accelerate product development. 

Any significant product launches or service expansions in FY 2024-25? What gaps are you addressing? 

In FY 2024-25, Cohizon Life Sciences invested in an R&D Facility which is focused on providing cost-effective, scalable, and safe process development for agrochemical innovators. We had identified a clear gap: while companies excel at molecule discovery, they often lack in-house expertise for an efficient lab and kilo lab scale-up. Our new center will directly address this, helping them bring their innovations to market faster. 

What are the key digital transformation initiatives currently underway at Cohizon, and how do they align with the company's broader strategic goals?  

Cohizon's digital transformation focuses on efficiency and growth. We are implementing AI for yield optimization at our plants, a CRM for sales insights, a SaaS travel & expense solution, and a digital procure-to-pay process. These initiatives are critical to achieving our strategic goals of operational excellence, sales expansion, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory adherence. 

Specific sustainability initiatives that Cohizon has implemented in FY 2024-25 to reduce its environmental footprint, particularly waste management and emission reductions? What's your plan for FY 2025-26? 

As a responsible organization, our strategic focus comprises water, waste, carbon, and energy management. In FY 2024-25, we prioritized water and energy conservation. To reduce water usage, we conducted internal audits and implemented conservation measures, resulting in significant reductions. Looking ahead to FY 2025-26, we have secured a hybrid renewable energy agreement (wind and solar), which will significantly decrease our emissions. 

How does Cohizon's leadership foster a culture of innovation and sustainability within the organization and what initiatives are in place to empower employees in these areas?  

Cohizon Life Sciences' leadership prioritizes innovation and sustainability through transparent practices, aligning with UN SDGs and Responsible Care principles. Employee empowerment is fostered through the Cohizon Academy of Excellence, promoting continuous learning, and an inclusive workplace that emphasizes open communication, diversity, and equal opportunities. These initiatives ensure the company's position as an industry leader in both innovation and sustainable practices. 

Cohizon's CSR efforts concentrate on health, education, upskilling, environmental sustainability, and disaster response, benefiting over 200 villages in Surat and Ankleshwar. Insights into flagship CSR projects undertaken by Cohizon and their impact on the communities served?  

Cohizon's CSR initiatives prioritize health, education, environmental sustainability, and disaster response. In our commitment to improving healthcare access, we partnered with the J.B. Mody Cancer Centre in Ankleshwar to expand their cancer OPD facility. Additionally, our collaboration with the AgaKhan Rural Development Support Program resulted in the implementation of various eco-friendly and community-strengthening projects, including tree planting, water harvesting, biogas units, and solar pump installations. 

Would you like to add anything from your side?  

As an organization, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with customers through the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost efficiency and sustainability. This commitment has provided us with greater resilience compared to previous years and has paved the way for future collaboration with our customers to drive business growth. Our people continue to be at the core of our strategies. To reinforce our dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace, we will continue to invest in skill development and embrace diversity and inclusion as key elements of our organization.